Chapter 15 The Biosphere

Climate Developed by trapping of heat in the atmosphere, latitude, transport of heat by wind or water currents, precipitation, shape of land and elevation Incoming sunlight has a major role Microclimate-climate of a small specific place within a larger area

Greenhouse effect Gases in atmosphere keep heat close to earth Prevents some heat from escaping into space; Earth stays too warm Main gas involved is CO 2

Latitude Latitude and heating angle produce 3 climate zones  Polar-cold areas, sun at low angle, between 66.5 o and 90 o both north and south  Temperate-between polar and tropic zones, wider range of temperatures with seasons  Tropic-at the equator, between 23.5 o north and 23.5 o south

Air and water movement Heat causes movement of air and water Warm air and water are less dense the cool air and water causing them to rise As they rise they cool (for water this produces precipitation) Movement of air produces movement in water causing currents

Land masses Help shape climates Areas closer to water have less extreme “seasons” than those areas farther inland Mountains can affect precipitation (one side will receive much precipitation throughout the year, the other side in is “rain shadow”)

Biomes Large groups of ecosystems that share climax communities Land or water  Aquatic-oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, ponds  Terrestrial-land

Terrestrial biomes 6 major land biomes on Earth  Tundra  Taiga  Desert  Grassland  Temperate forest  Rain forest

Tundra Low animal diversity permafrost Long summers Short periods of winter sunlight Temperature always below freezing Supports grasses and small plants Location: North and South poles

Taiga Northern coniferous forest Warmer and wetter than tundra Long severe winters Short mild summers Provides food / shelter for animals Location: parts of Canada, Northern Europe, Asia

Desert Arid region Sparse plant life Animals usually nocturnal Less than 25cm of precipitation yearly Location: northern Africa, southwestern US

Grassland Large areas with grasses and small plants Have a dry season Rich soil Supports 100 species per acre 25-27cm rain annually Location: Mid-Europe, Mid-US

Temperate forest Broad-leaved, hard-wood trees Trees lose leaves in autumn Rich top soil Clay beneath top soil cm rain annually Location: Eastern US

Rain Forest Warm, wet areas Lush plant growth Equatorial regions Warm temperatures all year At least 200cm rain annually Location: Central America

Aquatic biomes 2 sub biomes Marine-2 zone regions  Photic zone-shallow area where light penetrates  Aphotic zone-deep water without light

Aquatic biomes Marine land regions  Estuary-coastal area partially surrounded by land; fresh and salt water mix  Intertidal zone-shore between high and low tide lines  Neritic zone-from low tide mark to edge of continental shelf  Bathyl zone-from edge of neritic zone to base of continental shelf  Abyssal zone-below 2000 meters; complete darkness

Aquatic biomes Coral reefs - tropic climate zone, warm water temperatures all year Kelp forests – cold, nutrient rich waters

Aquatic biomes Freshwater-ecosystem that supports various types of organisms at different temperatures and levels of light Standing-water such as lakes and ponds Running water-rivers and streams Wetlands where water covers the soil for at least part of the year

estuary Partially enclosed body of water where fresh and salt water mix Contains high level so nutrients due to runoff Also provide protection to coastal areas during major storms

Watershed Region of land that drains into a river, river system, or other body of water

Ponds and lakes Littoral zone-between the high and low water marks on the shoreline; high levels of light, warm and shallow Limnetic zone-open water farther from shore; lots of plankton Benthic zone-lake or pond bottom; less light; lots of decomposers